Second-year guard Rob Dillingham is poised for a bigger role with the Minnesota Timberwolves this year. With Mike Conley turning 38 in October and Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving, there's a clear path to open minutes for the 2024 lottery pick. However, the main concern with Dillingham has been his defense. Given his slight 6-foot-1 frame, this is reasonable, and he will always be matchup hunted.
Nevertheless, Dillingham's defense is better than some may think. Recently, Ben Pfeifer broke down Dillingham's rookie season and role with the team next season. Pfeifer closed out his video by discussing Dillingham's defense. During this segment, he brought up some great points, including that Dillingham has good instincts and he uses his speed to pressure the ball. Despite the general concern about Dillingham's defense, Pfeifer spoke pretty optimistically about it, and I agree with him.
Dillingham's defense is better than many believe
In the modern NBA, being able to provide some level of defensive value has become paramount. While this is difficult for smaller guards like Dillingham, it's not impossible. And Dillingham showed flashes of not being a net negative on defense as a rookie.
Dillingham's speed is mostly viewed as a positive on offense, but it can also be one on defense. This allows him to pressure opposing ball handlers, grab steals, rotate quickly, and navigate screens. Dillingham's reaction time and activity stand out as a clear positive.
During Dillingham's rookie season, he posted a highly respectable 43.2 defensive field goal percentage. Furthermore, three two-man lineups with Dillingham posted a stellar 110.1 defensive rating or below. This included a lineup with Naz Reid, who isn't much of a defender, that posted a 106.2 defensive rating.
Playing alongside Rudy Gobert at the rim and having Jaden McDaniels take on some of the toughest matchups in the league will undoubtedly help Dillingham. The Kentucky product can mostly guard 3-and-D wings with limited offensive roles while switching onto other perimeter players if needed.
In college and high school, Dillingham was counted on as a defender. However, he understands that his only path to success is to buy in on defense, and it showed with how engaged he was as a rookie. While it's just summer league, Dillingham averaged 1.8 steals and had an overall positive defensive impact in Las Vegas. Ultimately, there are several postive signs for Dillingham to become a serviceable defender.
Dillingham won't become an elite defender, but he has some clear positives
None of this is to say that Dillingham will become some elite defender or even above average. However, the idea that you can't field a competent defense around him is simply false. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, Dillingham has shown some positive flashes as a defender. It's understandable to be concerned about Dillingham's defense, but there are still some positives about his defense.
Crucially, the Wolves have the perfect personnel to cover for Dillingham's lack of size. Yes, bulking up would help Dillingham and is a priority, but as is, his defense is more impressive than he gets credit for. Overall, as Dillingham prepares for a bigger role, don't be surprised if his defense exceeds expectations.